A comprehensive ICT audit will have recommendations for the Queensland Government which will save millions on its annual printing budget.

Savings of up to 30 per cent could be made to printing and copying as a result of Queensland’s most comprehensive audit of ICT systems and operations.

Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts, Ros Bates said these are the first changes to come out of the ICT audit with many more expected, resulting in millions of dollars more in savings for taxpayers.

Ms Bates said the first changes coming out of the audit involved the whole-of-government printing policy.

“In the first phase, all departments have been requested to implement simple yet effective initiatives which will reduce the government’s spending on printing and copying,” Ms Bates said.

According to Ms Bates, the government will look to make cost and environmental savings in three main areas – the paper used to print, the ink and toner and the energy used to power the devices.

“This is expected to save taxpayers about $1.8 million per year,” she said.

She said a senior level officer in each department would be assigned to manage and coordinate print services.

These services would include budget and consolidating print-related purchases.

Ms Bates said settings on all print devices will also be optimised to reduce the use of energy and consumables.

“All machines will be set to print in black and white, double-sided at draft quality and colour printing will be only used where necessary,” Ms Bates said.

She said all print devices will also have settings enabled for energy saving sleep modes when not in use.

“Money that is saved through initiatives like this can be reinvested to revitalise frontline services, such as hospitals, police and education and the ICT systems that support them,” Ms Bates said.

According to the Queensland Government, the ICT audit is due to produce its final report in December this year.